bottleneck

[ˈbɑːtl.nek]

bottleneck Definition

• 1. a narrow part of something, such as a road or pipe, where the flow of traffic or movement is slowed or stopped
• 2. a point of congestion or blockage that slows down a process or system

Using bottleneck: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bottleneck" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The bottleneck on the highway caused a major traffic jam.

• Example

  The company's production was slowed down by a bottleneck in the assembly line.

• Example

  The bottleneck in the computer system caused the program to crash.

bottleneck Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for bottleneck

• constriction
• clog
• jam
• gridlock
• choke point

Antonyms for bottleneck

• clear path
• open road

Idioms Using bottleneck

• at a bottleneck

  in a situation where progress is slow or blocked due to a narrow or congested passage

  Example

  The construction project was at a bottleneck due to a shortage of materials.

• bottleneck blues

  a style of blues music that features the use of a bottleneck or slide guitar

  Example

  He played bottleneck blues with a passion that moved the audience to tears.

• bottlenecked up

  stuck or congested due to a bottleneck

  Example

  The traffic was bottlenecked up for miles due to an accident on the highway.

Phrases with bottleneck

• bottleneck effect

  a phenomenon in which a reduction in population size leads to a loss of genetic diversity, resulting in reduced adaptability and increased susceptibility to disease and environmental changes

  Example

  The bottleneck effect is a major concern for conservationists trying to protect endangered species.

• bottleneck guitar

  a style of playing the guitar that involves using a bottleneck or slide to create a distinctive sound

  Example

  He played a bottleneck guitar solo that brought the audience to their feet.

• bottleneck traffic

  a situation in which traffic is slowed or stopped due to a narrow or congested section of road

  Example

  The bottleneck traffic on the bridge caused a long delay for commuters.

Origins of bottleneck

from the earlier meaning 'a narrow-necked glass bottle' to describe a narrow passage in a road

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Summary: bottleneck in Brief

'Bottleneck' [ˈbɑːtl.nek] refers to a narrow part of something, such as a road or pipe, where the flow of traffic or movement is slowed or stopped. It can also refer to a point of congestion or blockage that slows down a process or system. Examples include 'The bottleneck on the highway caused a major traffic jam.' and 'The company's production was slowed down by a bottleneck in the assembly line.' 'Bottleneck' extends into phrases like 'bottleneck effect,' and idioms like 'at a bottleneck,' denoting a situation where progress is slow or blocked due to a narrow or congested passage.